"Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding." – William Paul Thurston

At Firs Primary School, our curriculum is designed to be both engaging and rigorous—ensuring our pupils are Ready for Learning and Ready for Life. We deliver subject-based lessons that ignite a passion for mathematics while equipping every child with the essential skills they need both in school and beyond.

Intent

• Empowerment through Mastery: We cultivate confident mathematicians who embrace challenges with a ‘can do’ attitude. Our carefully sequenced, small-step approach ensures that foundational knowledge is securely consolidated before new concepts are introduced.
• Building Essential Life Skills: Guided by our Skills Builder Universal Framework, our curriculum nurtures key competencies—listening, speaking, problem solving, creativity, positivity, ambition, and leadership—that prepare pupils for real-world challenges.
• Social Justice & Future Success: We believe that mathematics is a powerful tool for social justice and a critical asset in the world of work, ensuring that every pupil not only learns maths but sees its relevance in everyday life.
• Deep and Systematic Understanding: Our aim is to develop pupils’ fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills through a balanced mix of concrete, pictorial, and abstract experiences.

Implementation

• Mastery Approach: Lessons are structured around the White Rose curriculum, supported by NCETM materials, and built on the core principles of mastery:
  • Coherence: Lessons are divided into small, connected steps that build on prior learning.
  • Representation and Structure: Multiple representations are used to reveal the underlying mathematical concepts.
  • Mathematical Thinking: Pupils engage in discussions, reason through ideas, and explore concepts collaboratively.
  • Fluency: Regular, low-stakes practice helps ensure that facts and procedures are recalled quickly and accurately.
  • Variation: Concepts are presented in diverse ways to deepen understanding and encourage flexibility in problem solving.
• Innovative Initiatives: In 2023, we introduced the White Rose Scheme alongside a new lesson structure inspired by Roenshine’s principles of instruction. This ensures that each lesson flows seamlessly into the next, reinforcing and extending prior learning.
• Targeted Fluency Sessions:
  • Years 1–3: Number Sense: Fact Fluency sessions establish a strong base in basic number facts.
  • Years 3–5: Number Sense: Times Table Fluency sessions (in partnership with Number Sense Maths) boost automaticity and recall.
• Integrated Learning: Our daily Maths lessons are enriched with resources such as Times Table Rockstars and NumBots, making learning engaging, challenging, and directly connected to real-world contexts.

Impact

• Progress and Confidence: Through continuous formative assessments and responsive feedback, we ensure that any gaps in learning are promptly addressed, allowing every child to progress steadily and confidently.
• Fluency and Deep Understanding: Our systematic approach not only builds numerical fluency but also deepens pupils’ conceptual understanding, enabling them to communicate their mathematical reasoning with clarity.
• Skills for Life: Beyond academic success, our curriculum equips pupils with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for lifelong learning and future career success.

At Firs Primary, Mathematics is more than just a subject—it is a vital tool for understanding the world. Our approach aligns with the latest research and best practices in mathematics education, ensuring that every lesson builds a robust, lasting foundation for our pupils’ future.